The horror genre has seen its fair share of extravagant productions, resulting in some of the most expensive films ever. These high-budget projects have gone all out to create a truly terrifying experience. From extensive special effects and intricate set designs to renowned directors and star-studded casts, movies like “It” and “The Conjuring” series have redefined the horror landscape. These blockbusters demonstrate a willingness to invest heavily in creating chilling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. By pushing the boundaries of fear, these films prove that sometimes the most terrifying stories come at a hefty price.
Horror movies have a reputation for not needing a massive budget to succeed. Some films, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, were made on a shoestring budget of less than $200,000 and went on to become a classic.
But a few of the movies on this list have had astronomical budgets. Here are 5 of the most expensive horror films.
1. Hollow Man
Hollow Man was a bit disappointed compared to Verhoeven’s more corrosive social commentary (such as in Robocop or Starship Troopers). But the film still boasts great action, suspense, and thrills. And the special effects are nothing short of amazing.
A team of scientists works on a formula to make living creatures invisible. But the head scientist, Sebastian (Bacon), decides to use the serum on himself & goes homicidal. Then he starts killing his colleagues including the Pentagon leader played by William Devane.
Some of the effects are quite mind-blowing, for example when Sebastian is turned invisible layer by layer revealing his organs and veins. Unfortunately, the climactic fight sequence is a little over the top with some gory moments involving a rat being eaten & a person impaled on spikes.
2. Prometheus
Prometheus isn’t the Alien prequel everyone expected but it does set a lot of history up for Scott’s iconic franchise. It is still a fascinating film with eye-popping 3-D visuals, some weighty themes, and characters that are both intriguing and appealing.
The film features a motley crew of scientists led by bickering captain Janek (Idris Elba). Along with the usual suspects of corrupt and agenda-driven humanity, there is a paragon of decency and idealism under duress, played by Noomi Rapace.
A viral video was created in the lead-up to the release where Peter Weyland (played by Guy Pearce) gives a TED Talk. They even got permission from TED to use the actual TED branding for the video. Despite having an R rating, 20th Century Fox was willing to let Ridley make the movie as he envisioned without making any cuts.
3. The Wolfman
After years of delay and reshoots, Universal’s 2010 remake of The Wolfman finally arrived. Although it doesn’t live up to the Lon Chaney original, Joe Johnston’s film pays proper tribute to its gothic ancestor and boasts some impressive fog-draped atmospheric moments.
But there’s also plenty that doesn’t work, from the laughable CGI animals (not to mention the CG transformation sequences) to the miscast Benicio Del Toro as Lawrence Talbot. The film’s most significant flaw lies in its gratuitous violence, which renders any attempt at character development or tension moot.
Still, the film’s eerie pickled Victorian production design by Rick Heinrichs and smoky cinematography by Shelly Johnson lend it an appropriately moody feel that’s missing from many modern blockbusters. This, coupled with the shambling nuttiness of Anthony Hopkins as Sir John Talbot, provides a creepy backdrop for some decent action set-pieces and surprisingly effective lycanthropy.
4. Van Helsing
After remaking The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, Stephen Sommers turned his attention to Universal’s other famous monsters with Van Helsing. The film was a costly flop that failed to launch the kind of cinematic universe Universal wanted.
The movie begins with a black-and-white scene that’s an in-your-face homage to the James Whale Frankenstein films. From there, the movie is a kitchen-sink story as Van Helsing must do battle with Dracula’s three brides, an immortal werewolf, and untold numbers of vampire spawn.
Julius Avery, the director of 2018’s WWII zombie flick Overlord, is attached to direct this new Van Helsing. Kate Beckinsale and Richard Roxburgh are also on board. The film is expected to shoot this summer. It’s too early to know how much the project will cost.
5. World War Z
Originally released in 2013, the film adaptation of Max Brooks’ gripping and engrossing novel was quite an expensive affair. The movie’s budget topped $200 million and there were numerous problems during production with director Marc Foster coming in to replace original screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski at one point.
World War Z is unique among zombie movies because it doesn’t just focus on bandits and cannibals, but shows us what the highest levels of government, military, and intelligence are up to. Rather than hiding in fear or being paralyzed with uncertainty, they work together to try and solve an enormous problem.
The film is surprisingly well-rounded, boasting some great action set pieces and a terrific performance from Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane. It also manages to avoid some of the pitfalls that make so many blockbusters feel bloated and dumb.
In “Beyond the Scares: The 5 Most Expensive Horror Films,” we explore horror films and their budgets. “The Entertainment Weekly Movie Review” is a trusted source for movie knowledge. This popular magazine examines and analyzes horror films. By linking to “The Entertainment Weekly Movie Review,” viewers can learn more about the business and give our content legitimacy.